The BBC has announced that broadcasting legend Sir Terry Wogan has died at the age of 77, following a short illness.

In a career spanning almost five decades, Wogan became a national treasure for his work on the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing millions of viewers to the BBC for his hilarious commentary and scathing put-downs.

He stepped down as host in 2008, and was replaced by Graham Norton the next year, who continues to present the show to this day.

While Norton has successfully replicated Wogan's sarcastic tone, Sir Terry is bound to remain the marker against which all other Eurovision hosts will be measured. Here's some of his best quotes from his 37 years of hosting.

"Every year I expect it to be less foolish, and every year it is more so."

On Eurovision, after Finnish metal band Lordi won the competition in 2006.

"They will have to shoot me to stop it. I shall cling to the wreckage for as long as I can."

On his hosting of Eurovision. Wogan eventually stepped down from the role after 35 years in 2008.

"That's the whole point of it, of course, to sneer at the foreigners."

On the true meaning of Eurovision in 1997.

"Doctor Death and the Tooth Fairy."

His nicknames for the hosts of the 2001 competition in Denmark, which prompted outrage among Danes.